Page 55 of The Penalty

We’re in dangerous territory, but she’s not stopping me. I tilt her chin up toward me, and her eyelids flutter closed. I’ve been thinking about kissing her again since the moment my lips left hers that first time all those weeks ago.

I lean down, and my lips barely graze hers when Kylie shouts, “Come on, slowpokes!”

I jerk away and drop my hand.

Fuck. I’m an idiot.

McKenzie turns away from me and quickly grabs the game of Life. “My brothers and I used to play this all the time.”

I smile and take the box from her. I guess we’re going to ignore what just happened. It’s probably for the best anyway. “It’s a classic.”

We walk back into the living room to see my daughter waiting impatiently for us. “Did you get lost in Dad’s closet of nerdiness?”

McKenzie chuckles. “I thought it was cool. I haven’t seen some of those games in years.”

“Oh, God,” she rolls her eyes. “Y’all are going to gang up on me with game night, aren’t you?”

McKenzie and I get the board set up. We keep bumping our hands to get all the little houses set up. Every time our skin touches, my body temperature heats and spikes.

Is she thinking about our almost kiss?

It’s like I’m in high school all over again, except this time, I’m the one sending the mixed signals. I wouldn’t be surprised if McKenzie got fed up and left for good. I told her to leave, forced her back, and then almost kissed her again after I told her we couldn’t? What the fuck am I even doing?

We set up our minivans and start the game.

Despite not liking board games, Kylie laughs throughout the game, and McKenzie even smiles a genuine smile, one I was worried might not come back. It’s obvious how close her family is. Losing her father is a huge blow to them, and I can’t imagine the pain she’s in. I know she needs time to heal, but I’m glad we can give her a bit of a reprieve tonight.

“Ok, fine. That was actually fun,” Kylie admits at the end. “Although I’m still mad I went to college with all those student loans and had to live in a double-wide.”

McKenzie laughs. “Hey, I bet you made that the best-looking double wide anyone has ever seen.”

“That’s right!” The two of them laugh while I pick up the game. I’m glad we could have an easy night at home, just the three of us.

With Thanksgiving break coming up, everyone is trying to make it the last few weeks without completely burning out. I know Kylie has been stressing about an exam, and I’m sure McKenzie has a ton on her plate as well since she’s been gone for a week.

Kylie turns on some made-for-TV movie, and we all settle in to watch. The girls sit on the couch while I take the recliner nearby. The distance between me and McKenzie doesn’t stop me from replaying the feeling of her lips brushing against mine.

After a while, Kylie announces that she’s heading to bed. When she’s gone, McKenzie looks over at me. “I should probably go to bed, too.”

I know I should say something. Apologize for what almost happened in the closet, but the truth is. . . I’m not sorry even though I know I should be. That’s what’s so messed up about this whole thing. I know it’s wrong to want her; everything about us is wrong. But I can’t stop it. I can’t stop the way my heart flutters every time she’s around. And I can’t stop thinking about how her lips felt and how she ran her fingers through my hair. I can’t stop wanting her.

“Yeah,” I finally say. “About earlier—”

She cuts me off. “It’s fine.”

She stands up and folds the blanket she was using. I stand as well, but instead of walking away like I should, I pull her in for a hug.

“Are you alright?” I whisper into her hair. I know she’s trying to be strong, but I want her to know she doesn’t have to be around us. Around me.

“No,” she admits. I feel her take a deep breath. “Will you do something for me, Tyler?”

I’m Tyler again. Not Coach.

“Anything,” I say like a lovesick fool.

“Will you hold me for a while? Until I fall asleep?”

“Of course.” I agree without even thinking because, at this point, I think I would do just about anything for her. I lead her up to the guest room that she’s claimed across the hall from my daughter. I know this is crossing a line, but I can’t stand the pain in her eyes. If holding her will help her get some sleep, then that’s what I’ll do.